Center for Creative Ministry A research organization and research center for Seventh-day Adventist pastors and their congregations
The Everlasting Gospel
“We both accepted the risks fully. We never wanted it to happen but each of us were prepared to never come home.”
These are the chilling words of a Facebook update posted by Andrew Hosford, an Adventist pilot and mechanic serving for Philippine Adventist Medical Aviation Services. [1] His partner Janelle Alder was lost March 1, 2023 during what should have been a routine medivac helicopter flight between islands. Although her shoes were recovered from the ocean, the bodies of Janelle Alder, Captain Daniel Lui, and three additional passengers have not been found.
Janelle Alder was a 22-year-old nurse who answered the call of Revelation 14:6, delivering God’s everlasting gospel to all the world – through the medical mission field. She, like most missionaries, knew the risks involved.
Just as did John Chau, a Christian missionary who was murdered by the people he was trying to save. Shortly before his death he wrote to his family, “You guys might think I’m crazy in all this, but I think it’s worth it to declare Jesus to these people.”
Sadly, the Internet responded to his death with harsh commentary, labeling him a “dumb American” and “deluded idiot.”
Nate Saint was no stranger to this perception from the secular world, the world Andrew Hosford would say lies behind enemy lines. Nate, a missionary who too would be killed by those to whom he ministered, reflected, “People who do not know the Lord ask why in the world we waste our lives as missionaries. They forget that they too are expending their lives … and when the bubble has burst, they will have nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have wasted.”
Missionaries willingly put their lives in God’s hands so one more soul can find Jesus. Sometimes missions don’t go how we think they should, and we know that. God’s followers have known since ancient times.
Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah defiantly told King Nebuchadnezzar that even if God chose not to deliver them from the punishment of death, they would never give in to idol worship (Daniel 3:16-18). The apostles died as martyrs. Even the Son of God faced physical torture, biological death, and (brief) separation from God before rising victorious over Satan.
The message – eternal salvation in Christ Jesus – is worth it all.
Andrew Hosford asks, “Janelle’s only desire is to see people in Heaven because of her dangerous work behind enemy lines. Are you willing to join in and continue her passion and legacy?”
For Reflection
Connecting: How would you respond to losing a loved one in the mission field?
Sharing: “Janelle’s only desire is to see people in Heaven because of her dangerous work behind enemy lines. Are you willing to join in and continue her passion and legacy?”
- Yep, I can do that right here in my hometown through community outreach programs
- Yes, I am going to help sponsor a missionary from my church/Adventist college
- We shouldn’t emotionally manipulate people to volunteer as missionaries
- I already served as a missionary
- I’ll pray about what God wants me to do
- Other
Applying: Did Daniel and Janelle’s story touch you? You can help further the mission they died for by choosing PAMAS on the link below and make a note “for Palawan” to support the work today! https://www.angeloneonline.org
Valuing: Review 2 Timothy 1:9-12, Titus 1:2-3, and Ephesians 1:4-10. Why would God predestine an “everlasting gospel” (Revelation 14:6) that involves so much heartbreak and death among God’s most ardent believers? Discuss with a friend or small group.
~ Stefani Leeper
